Cape Verde Team Draws Hero's Welcome in Miami After 3-2 World Cup Exit
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Jul 4
Cape Verde Team Draws Hero's Welcome in Miami After 3-2 World Cup Exit
3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jul 4
Summary
Dozens of fans cheered Cape Verde's players in a Miami hotel lobby after their 3-2 extra-time loss to Argentina ended the debutants' World Cup run.
That reception reflected how close Cape Verde came to a major upset, pushing Lionel Messi's side to the brink before Argentina finally advanced.
Cape Verde finished 0-1-3 in its first World Cup, but scoreless draws with Spain and Saudi Arabia plus a 2-2 result against Uruguay sent it into the round of 32.
Messi praised the underdogs after the match, saying their pressing made clear the game was never straightforward.
Coach Bubista and goalkeeper Vozinha said the tournament had planted seeds for the future, with the three-week run putting Cape Verde firmly on soccer's map.